Having a toxic boss can bring a great deal of negativity into your life. Although you should always aim to enforce clear boundaries between your personal and work life, when you have a toxic employer in your life, it becomes incredibly draining, both mentally and physically. Therefore, it’s crucial that you identify the characteristics of a toxic employer and learn how to deal with them appropriately.

Identify Toxic Behaviors

Toxic work environments can be caused by several different factors. It’s important to recognize where this toxicity stems from, as you’ll be better equipped to handle the situation. Some examples of toxic behavior in the workplace include:

• Micromanagement
• Interpersonal aggressiveness
• Demeaning or bullying behavior
• Theft of intellectual property
• Refusal to engage with others
• Passivity in leadership positions
• Discrimination and Unfair Treatment

Outline Job Expectations

Clarity is key when it comes to addressing issues in the workplace. Sometimes toxic behavior can be avoided by simply starting an honest conversation with your employer. Ask what their expectations are of you in this role and see if there is anything you are doing wrong. Give them a second chance at redemption and, if the toxic behaviors persist, start considering alternative options.

Don’t Engage In Drama

Although it may be tempting, it’s crucial that you disengage from the workplace drama. Instead, you should try to remain emotionally distant. Remember, kindness can kill, so it’s best that you remain polite and detached in these situations, as giving into the drama will only add more fuel to the fire.

Keep Detailed Evidence

If you do believe that you are being discriminated against or harassed in your place of work, don’t forget to keep detailed records of these instances. You can use this evidence to report the wrongdoings to the Human Resources team, or even further down the line if you opt to take legal action. The more evidence you have to build a case, the better.

Reach Out to a Specialist

If you think that the level of workplace toxicity has reached a point past no return, you may find yourself forced to reach out to a legal professional. There are lawyers to represent employees in all industries, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding the one that’s just right for you. Understandably, this is the best route to take when you have exhausted all other options, however, it’s often the most effective one.

Remember There Is Always a Way Out

No matter how important your role within the business is, you should never feel bad for putting yourself and your mental health first. Remember that there is always a way out. Whether you decide to remain in that job or leave the company, it’s important that you fight for your rights. You could even help other employees that are experiencing something similar. Overall, it’s vital that you set clear boundaries at work, manage your employer’s expectations, and reach out to a specialist if you feel this is necessary.